scheme

n. [ L. schema a rhetorical figure, a shape, figure, manner, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, form, shape, outline, plan, fr. &unr_;, &unr_;, to have or hold, to hold out, sustain, check, stop; cf. Skr. sah to be victorious, to endure, to hold out, AS. sige victory, G. sieg. Cf. Epoch, Hectic, School. ] 1. A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system. [ 1913 Webster ]

The appearance and outward scheme of things. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy. J. Edwards. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme. [ 1913 Webster ]

The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline. [ 1913 Webster ]

To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Astrol.) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event. [ 1913 Webster ]

A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Plan; project; contrivance; purpose; device; plot. -- Scheme, Plan. Scheme and plan are subordinate to design; they propose modes of carrying our designs into effect. Scheme is the least definite of the two, and lies more in speculation. A plan is drawn out into details with a view to being carried into effect. As schemes are speculative, they often prove visionary; hence the opprobrious use of the words schemer and scheming. Plans, being more practical, are more frequently carried into effect. [ 1913 Webster ]

He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;
'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ]

Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;
I founded palaces, and planted bowers. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]